By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Curiouser and curiouser Southern Cross Primary School student Ella was inspired by the classic tale Alice in Wonderland as she dressed up for Book Week on 26 August. For more photos, turn to page 8
$9M backhander
A gold-winning table tennis association has been left “disappointed” after Greater Dande nong Council scrapped a proposed $9.1-mil lion regional facility. Baulking at the cost, Greater Dandenong councillors narrowly voted down plans to start $440,000 detailed design work for the facility at Springers Leisure Centre in Keysborough. The centre was to be the new home of Greater Dandenong Table Tennis Association –which is near capacity at its 40-year-old facility at JC Mills Reserve, Dandenong. Its current base is set to make way for the council’s $82.3 million Dandenong Oasis aquatic and wellbeing centre. The GDTTA venue has hosted a long lineage of international players. They include 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Qian Yang and Dandenong’s underage national champ Connie Psihogios, who was selected to try-out for Australia’s 2020 Olympic team at age 11. It runs a junior academy, high-performance programs, blind table tennis, tournaments and weekly competitions. In a statement, the GDTTA responded: “Whilst our club is disappointed with the council voting against our replacement sta dium, the club remains hopeful that we can continue to work constructively with council to achieve a replacement centre which is suit able for the club’s current and future needs. “(We hope) we can continue to provide a facility that has many health and other benefits for our vibrant and inclusive table tennis com munity.”Aftera feasibility study, council officers recommended a new 24-table centre equipped for international tournament standards. The study found “strong demand” for a regional facility, with GDTTA membership num bers forecasted to grow from 300 to more than 600 at the new centre. STEWART CHAMBERS
40¢ Inc. GST ENDEAVOUR HILLS HALLAM DOVETON /DandenongJournal @StarJournal_SEendeavourhillshallamdoveton.starcommunity.com.au PAGE 8PAGE 7PAGE 3 worldDocumentary’spremiereGreen light townhousesfor Drug Court a success20-year PAGE 10 progressdebatersStudent Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 BECOME A MEMBER TODAY FOR FANTASTIC REWARDS! NOW ONLY $20 PER YEAR. Phone 9582 4600 mulgravecc.com.au • Mulgrave Country Club Cnr Wellington & Jells Road Wheelers Hill 12553791-AI25-22 12496498-DL22-21 12551072-JW23-22
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Building Program
The annual award is presented and sponsored by NarreWarren North MP Luke Donnel lan and named after Juan Carlos Loyola OAM who has worked tirelessly for more than twen ty five years with the Doveton Special Soccer School now known as the All Abilities Soccer Academy.“These wonderful people have supported this community for so many years, they have brought others along with them and stepped up and made a huge difference,” Donnellan said.“Their voluntary work and care and concern for others is inspirational.”
A lit cigarette dropped from a company car at Hallam has cost a transport company more than $2200. EPA Victoria issued the company with a fine in February 2022, after a member of the public made a complaint, provided photos and reported the vehicle’s number plate and the driver’s description. The matter then came before Dandenong Magistrate’s Court on 16 June 2022.
The witness had seen the driver hanging their arm out of the vehicle window holding a lit cigarette, and watched to see if the driver would drop it, EPA said.
“The community spirit and long-standing volunteering demonstrated is such a wonderful example to all,” Carlos Loyola OAM said. “The passion and drive these worthy recipients exhibit is admirable and we have all benefited.”
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The incident occurred in February this year, after which the company was fined over $2000. 164014
RSL Representative Greg Betros (left), with Juan Carlos Loyola OAM and Luke Donnellan MP. SUPPLIED
NEWS
The smoker dropped the cigarette close to the intersection of Belgrave Hallam Road and Princes Highway, Hallam, as the vehicle slowed for a red light. The magistrate noted the evidence was sufficient to show guilt and it was appropriate to record a conviction as the accused had elected to have the matter heard in court and then failed to attend. The transport company was convicted, fined $1800 and ordered to pay EPA’s costs of $406.16, for a total of $2206.16. Cigarette butts are the most common form of litter, with many finding their way into nearby waterways and the bay. Any burning cigarette butt creates a fire hazard.
This is an exciting time at Lyndale Secondary College as we are in the middle of a building program that will develop the facilities to support our students in their learning.
The other recipients were: Bert Rae for longstanding voluntary service to many groups in the region including the Berwick Agricultural Show and Narre Warren North Community Association; Grab and Rex Ashenden for their contributions towards the Endeavour Hills Football Club; women and children’s advocate Gula Bezhan and Dur Aschna for support towards refugees and migrants.
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EPA issued more than 8500 infringement notices for littering during 2020-21.
ENROLLING
12559715-JC33-22
RSL’s honour
LYNDALE
At Lyndale Secondary College, we aim to have each student move towards a successful and meaningful future, irrespective of where or what that might be. Congratulations to our 2021 College Dux, Visothpong Chhoam who received an outstanding ATAR score of 98 15 Some other amazing results achieved by our Class of 21 are: SUCCESSFULLY qualifying for the VCE: 99 5% of the enrolled students SUCCESSFULLY qualifying for the Senior VCAL: 100% of the enrolled students
2 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au (03)9795 2366 www.lyndale.vic.edu.au 14 Halton Rd, Dandenong North VIC 3175 CRICOS 00861K
The Dandenong RSL is among five recipients of the 2022 Juan Carlos Loyola Awards for long standing community service. Given to residents of the southeast for longterm dedication to the community, the Dan denong RSL was recognised for ongoing sup port of clubs and associations. Greg Betros represented the approachable, helpful and caring staff that have supported groups with fundraising and meetings.
• SUCESSFULLY progressing to positive postsecondary school destinations in University, TAFE, Apprenticeships, Employment: 99 5% of all Year 12 students
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NOW FOR YEAR 7, 2023
For more information, we invite you to contact the School Office on 9795 2366. SECONDARY COLLEGE
Littered cigarette costs Hallam company $2200
NEWS
A further three arrests were made in connection to the catalytic converter thefts on Thursday, including:
· A 25-year-old Seaford man who is expected to be charged with 63 offences including theft from motor vehicle, theft of motor vehicle, possess proceeds of crime and commit indictable offence while on bail. In addition to the catalytic converter thefts, police will also allege the 22-year-old Rowville man and 25-year-old Seaford man stole a 2002 Holden Commodore sedan valued at $8500 from a Doveton address in May 2022.
Ms Wilson was satisfied with the estate design’s set back more than 40 metres from the historic church next door. She said the lack of diversity of housing, including just one two-bedroom dwelling, was “not ideal” but not sufficient to reject the proposal or require more two bedroom homes.Multiple bedrooms less than three metres wide were “small” but not failing standards. She also dismissed arguments about the lack of plans for stormwater drainage and earthworks.Thecouncil raised concerns about Peet’s removal of 11 trees, including two of “high value”, during the permit application process.
However, at the VCAT appeal, the council didn’t object to Peet’s argument that traffic volumes could be accommodated, including future development at 198 Chapel Road. VCAT member Cindy Wilson ruled on 23 August that the proposal was not an overdevelopment.Itaccorded with the Keysborough South Development Plan and its “network of wetlands, flora and fauna habitat corridors and generous areas of linked open space”, Ms Wilson stated. The medium-density, two-storey townhouses were apt for the incremental-change ‘greenfield’ site, she found. The site was close to an “activity centre” of supermarket and shops, as well as the school and a Chapel Road bus route. Ms Wilson noted the site’s 120-metre parkland as well as tree reserves to the north, west and east, including all seven River Red Gums on the land.
All-clear for Keysborough townhouses
Details: getawayday2022magicalgetawayfoundation.org/
Facing 260-plus charges
Police also seized another two vehicles as part of these warrants, taking the number of vehicles seized on Thursday to 14. In addition to this, police seized a trailer and three engines they will allege have either been stolen or are proceeds of crime. Since July last year, Operation Achilles has resulted in more than 240 offenders being charged for hoon driving, over 1400 charges being laid, and more than 155 vehicles being impounded across metropolitan Melbourne.
Greater Dandenong Council workers got dressed up for holidays in support of Magical Getaway Day. They did their bit to help raise awareness and gold-coin donations for charity Magical Getaway Foundation’s work in sending disadvantaged families away on their first-ever holiday.Lastyear, the charity sent six families from Greater Dandenong on their first holidays to PhillipAccordingIsland.to the MGF, one in three Australian children have never been on holiday.
The developer Peet appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a permit for its ‘Keysborough Townhouses’ project on 4.1 hectares of L-shaped former farmland at 182 Chapel Road. The site abuts the 145-year-old Keysborough Methodist Church building. It comes despite Greater Dandenong councillors voting down the proposal due to concerns about traffic, scale of development, emergency vehicle access and impact on wetlands to the north. Greater Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garad feared the wider ramifications of the VCATChapeldecision.Road’s heavy peak traffic would be “severely exacerbated” by the project and about another 330 dwellings planned at four super sites at 182, 185, 199-209 and 220 Chapel Road to come. The busy pick-up and drop-off times at nearby Keysborough Gardens Primary School were set to become a “nightmare”, she“We’resaid. heading to a perfect storm as a number of estates are coming online in a year and a half. It’s a slow-moving catastrophe. “And there’s nothing the council can do about it – Chapel Road can’t be widened, we can’t push back on the number of dwellings.” She said more frequent PT bus services were needed, otherwise traffic would become a “car park”.
Investigators from the Dandenong High Risk Driving Unit have arrested an alleged recidi vist hoon as part of Operation Achilles, laying more than 260 charges for dangerous driving and a raft of theft from motor vehicle offences across Melbourne’s South East. Police allege the 22-year-old Rowville male was involved in a series of intentional highrisk driving events across Dandenong South andThisKeysborough.includestwo separate‘hoon gender reveals’ where the accused allegedly performed burnouts near crowds of people to emit clouds of pink or blue smoke, which revealed the gen der of his soon to be born children. These events allegedly took place on 10 July this year in Keysborough and on 5 July 2020 in Dandenong South. Sergeant Paul Holtzinger from the Dandenong High Risk Driving Unit said there were more appropriate and safer ways to announce the sex of a child. “If you’re celebrating an impending birth and want to reveal the gender of your child, pop a balloon or cut a cake,” Sgt Holtzinger said. “Don’t tear up our roads and recklessly put your family and friends in danger of serious injury or death.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 3 CONTACT US Phone: 5945 0666 ADVERTISING Visit starcommunity.com.au/advertise Email advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone 5945 0666 EDITORIAL Email dailyeditor@starnewsgroup.com.au Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit www.starcommunity.com.au starcommunity.com.au INDEPENDENTAUSTRALIANOWNED& REAL ESTATE Email seren@starnewsgroup.com.au Visit networkclassifieds.com.au Email sales@networkclassifieds.com.au Phone 5945 0600 12452271-SN26-20
Peet countered that no permit was required, and verbal authority was given from council officers. “I do not condone an approach whereby notable vegetation on the land is identified … and instead of the design responding to that vegetation, it is removed,” MsWilson stated. She didn’t reject the application on those grounds, noting no permit was required to remove the trees and that the proposed landscaping was “extensive”. The estate includes a subdivision of 37 empty blocks of between 301 and 475 square metres. Buildings on those lots are subject to future permits.
· A 24-year-old CranbourneWest man charged with 69 offences relating to theft from motor vehicle and possess proceeds of crime. He has been bailed to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 20 December.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells A 101-lot housing estate in Chapel Road, Keysborough has been approved by the state’s planning tribunal despite Greater Dandenong Council’s opposition.
Getaway time
Peet had argued for the removal of four of the River Red Gums. MsWilson ruled that all should be retained due to their ecological and habitat value. However, Peet was granted a permit to remove an additional black wattle tree on the western side.
228101 Picture: GARY SISSONS Townhouses have been approved at 182 Chapel Road, Keysborough. 268435 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
228101 Picture: GARY SISSONS Two church buildings, including a 145-year-old specimen on the right, next to the works site.
Sgt Holtzinger said the thefts present a serious danger to the theft victims and their vehicles.“Catalytic converters are an essential part of a vehicle’s exhaust system and when stolen, they cause significant inconvenience for car owners and huge repair bills.
Vegetation was removed on the Keysborough Townhouses site during the planning permit process.
“Police will not stand for this and anyone caught stealing them can expect to be hit with serious criminal charges.”
“The Foundation’s family wait list grows everyday with over 60 families currently waiting for a much-needed break away,” MGF founder Rosemary Teed said. “The need is there. We just need the funds to create brighter futures for vulnerable Australians.”TheMGF hopes its first annual fundraiser will rack up more than $10,000 for the cause.
Staff from City of Greater Dandenong supporting Magical Getaway Foundation charity on 26 August. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
· A 27-year-old Cranbourne North man who is expected to be charged with 64 offences, including theft from motor vehicle, possess proceeds of crime and commit indictable offence while on bail.
“It’s not only bizarre and illegal behaviour but has the real ability to turn a moment of celebration into tragedy.” The Rowville man was also charged in relation to three additional hooning incidents in Dandenong South between 28 April and 4 July thisTheyear.22-year-old male was arrested on Thursday 18 August and is expected to be charged with 48 offences in connection to this offending, including reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, driving in a manner dangerous and improper use of a motor vehicle, police said. During the course of their investigation into the hoon driving events, investigators from the Dandenong High Risk Driving Unit will allege they became aware the 22-year-old male from Rowville and three co-offenders were stealing catalytic converters from vehicles across Dandenong, Cranbourne, Mordialloc and Cheltenham between May and August this year. This resulted in damage to more than 70 ve hicles, totalling up to $300,000 worth of repairs. Police will allege the group then on-sold the materials for their own personal financial gain. As a result, police said the 22-year-old Rowville man was also expected to be charged with another 213 offences in connection to these thefts. This is expected to include theft from motor vehicle, theft of motor vehicle, criminal damage, handle stolen goods, going equipped to steal, possess proceeds of crime, breach of bail conditions and commit indictable offence while on Policebail.seized 12 vehicles from Rowville and Bayswater connected to the alleged offender, including several Holden Commodores. Police will allege these vehicles were either connected to hoon driving events or proceeds of crime generated by the theft of catalytic converters.
community
“The DSEC would have a transformative effect on Dandenong, sparking a fresh wave of private investment into the city as well as providing a boon for existing businesses, particularly hospitality and retail.”
November deadline for stadium’s business case
4 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au NEWS Have you taken care of your Will? Although there is no obligation to, we would be very thankful if you choose to include The Salvation Army in your Will. Your generosity will ensure we can continue to support those most vulnerable in our communities, and make a real difference in the lives of people in need. For $100, we can help.
Mr Cook is suing Greater Dandenong Council and the state’s Department of Health, accusing them of wrongly shutting down and destroying his business as part of a fatal foodpoisoning investigation in early 2019. As a result, 41 workers lost their liveli hoods.All96 charges against him and ICF were later withdrawn by Greater Dandenong Council.The‘slug gate’ scandal - including allega tions of a health inspector planting a slug on the ICF factory floor - has been examined by two Parliamentary inquiries and several Vic toria Police investigations. No charges have been laid against public officials.MrCook’s election campaign is not just about ICF but to ensure other businesses don’t wrongly suffer the same fate, he says. “Justice will not be done until the unaffected are as outraged as the affected.
Mr Cook noted a recent whistleblower’s claims that there was political interference in the police investigation into ‘Red Shirts’.
An illustration of inside the proposed stadium.
“We’ll invite Daniel Andrews to come along and rebut anything that we say.”
Ian Cook, in his closed I Cook Foods factory, will contest Premier Daniel Andrews’s seat in the November state election.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells Ian Cook – the owner of Dandenong South business I Cook Foods – is going head to head against Premier Daniel Andrews in the No vember state election. Mr Cook will stand as an independent can didate on an anti-corruption platform in Mr Andrews’s Mulgrave electorate. Spurred by his destroyed business in what’s been labelled ‘slug gate’, his aim is primarily to hold Mr Andrews to “account” by ousting him from his seat. His cause would be aided under a new Co alition State Government, who he believes would launch a new inquiry into hotel quar antine as well as corruption allegations. But he says he doesn’t care if Labor gets back“Wein.just want to make sure Daniel An drews doesn’t get re-elected.”
Community Wills Day Monday 5 September The
Greater Dandenong councillors will be briefed on the long-awaited business case for the proposed $110 million Dandenong Sports and Events Centre just prior to the November state election. Major projects director Paul Kearsley told a 22 August council meeting that the business case was largely complete. It was however being held over, due to some incomplete “action items”. The council intended to engage the State Government over the “action items”, including gauging the government’s intentions for the November state election and future“Thosebudgets.meetings are intended to be held in the coming weeks,” Mr Kearsley said. In early November, councillors would be briefed on the business case and the “ongoing actions” to determine the next steps in 2023, he said. The $200,000 business case and feasibility review by Deloitte Australia was commissioned in June last year. It was expected to be completed last November. Mr Kearsley echoed chief executive John Bennie’s recent sentiment that the review agreed on the need for the DESC.
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He’d also push to change the state’s Food Act to stop councils receiving the fines imposed by its food-health officers. It was a situation that “invitesHighercorruption”.standards should apply to health officers in their use of body cameras and capturingHisevidence.modestly-funded, grass-roots campaign will feature door-knocking “home by home, street by street, shop by shop” and public forums in halls, churches and community centres.“We’re going to show the truth of what happened to I Cook Foods
“I know the number of people who think it’s incredibly important and want to volunteer for the“It’scampaign.beenoverwhelming. And it’s helped me to decide we want to do this.”
202497 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
solicitors
Cook to take on Andrews
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The famous truck advertising sign featuring the slug could also be employed. Living one street out of the electorate, he says he understands the seat well. His mother grew up in Brandon Park, his father worked in the Mulgrave seat and his children were born in the electorate. Having grown up in Labor stock, he says he had never before been interested in politics. He says his Labor-supporting ancestors would be “rolling in their graves with what’s happening in Labor”.
The council’s contribution to the 15,000-seat rectangular stadium – other than the land near Dandenong railway sta tion - was yet to be determined, Mr Kears leyThesaid.DESC has been touted as the future playing home for the South-East based Melbourne City Football Club – and a key to re-energise the Revitalising Central DandenongOtherconcept.potential events include conferences, weddings, exhibitions, training programs, offices, eSports and community outreach.Thereport, which was jointly funded by the council and the State Government, was to investigate the demand for the stadium, its scope and cost, and ownership and management options. There’s been no indication if and when the report will be publicly released. According to the 2021 council advocacy document, the DSEC would be a “Docklands-style precinct development opportunity” for Dandenong.
The council argues the centre would create about 1000 construction jobs, 350 ongoing jobs and $114 million of annual economic activity from visitors.
per couple). All money will go
“You can’t have rules for the elite and rules for the rest of us. That’s how democracy dies. “We have to have faith in the parts of the system that are there to protect us.”
“This campaign is not going to be about the Right and Left. It’s about right and wrong.” He’s undaunted by Mr Andrews’ safe margin of more than eight per cent – after a recent electoral boundary redistribution.
Among Mr Cook’s anti-corruption reforms would be to ensure the Independent Broadbased Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) and the Victorian Ombudsman are “arm’s length” from political interference. Police chief commissioners should be elected by State Parliament, for instance.
“People who aren’t affected need to look at what happened with‘Red Shirts’, hotel quarantine and I Cook Foods.”
The process of gaining work sponsorship
Mr Cuberes said he has approached Dandenong MP Julian Hill and Attorney General and Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus, though did not receive assistance.
“A co-op feature that enables students to have a substantial amount of real experience working and studying.”
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 5
Ezy Pole was established in 2010 and supplies light poles to public and private sectors around the world.
President Peter Angelico told the SEMMA AGM at Federation University in Berwick that 93 per cent of its trainee welders were matched to workplaces. Many had been unemployed with no prior welding experience. Some have since been offered apprenticeships. Covid had helped local manufacturers in a “bizarre sort of way” due to sovereign risk, Mr Angelico said. But the biggest issue faced by firms was a lack of skills, and the welding school was a “proven” solution.
“We need to see and hear what is needed in our regions. It’s what we believe will be a real differentiator for us,” Ms Racunica said.
NEWS
As an example, the university had a 25-year relationship with IBM. Its Bachelor of Information Technology (Professional Practice) in Ballarat included an internship, with 1600 hours of paid work.
Jail term reduced for fresh evidence
By offering, Singh had exposed himself to “not insignificant” risk as a prisoner. “The applicant was moved into a protective unit after his cell mate started calling him a ‘dog’, chastised him for giving evidence and physically assaulted him.”
“There is still a strong demand for welders amongst our membership and the broader manufacturing community in the South East so we are hopeful that we will be able to see the SEMMA programme run again in the future.”
costs a business thousands of dollars, but Mr Cuberes is willing to grant them given they are often the most trustworthy workers. Others come and go, with the revolving door of workers reducing productivity as time and effort is continually invested in training new workers up. “It can be quite hit and miss with staff, some of them just don’t turn up to work,” Mr Cuberes said. “You can’t get people to work and when you can, they want to kick you out of the country.
The university’s Berwick campus head Kathy Racunica, who has joined SEMMA as a co-opted board member, said the university was rolling out a co-op edu cation model to meet industry needs. It would feature across its courses by 2025.
“Small businesses and people are in a difficult situation at the moment.”
“The vocational training system was not providing the skills needed and our members were screaming out for staff at all levels.“Andlike all progressive manufacturers, SEMMA in close collaboration with Hilton Manufacturing, developed a practical solution to this industry-wide problem.“Micro-credential courses are a success story that SEMMA will shout from the rooftops and one that we ask policymakers to embrace as the way forward.”
SEMMA chief executive Vonda Fenwick said the alliance was an advocacy body, not a registered training provider. But it was keen to push for the industryled welding school to receive ongoing State Government’s funding.
As a result, IBM employed 300-plus of Federation’s graduates, with 90 per cent deliveroroptionsworkplace,willemployersagesbuildco-deliver“industryBentleysityofITgraduatesfindingworkintheregion.Inastatement,FederationUniver-AustraliaVice-ChancellorDuncansaidco-opeducationbroughtintothetenttoco-designandprogramssotogetherwecanaworkforcetoaddressskillsshort-inregionalareas”.“Theygainthepracticalskillsyouasarelookingfor,everystudentcompleteaccreditedlearninginastartuporconsultancy,withforpaidcadetships,internships,workingonrealprojectsoncampustopracticaloutcomesforindustry.” Closing the skills gap A welding demonstration event staged by SEMMA.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells A Cranbourne truck driver who killed four po lice officers in an emergency lane on the East ern Freeway has had his jail term reduced on appeal.Mohinder Bajwa Singh, 49, had pleaded guilty to four counts of culpable driving caus ing the death of Victoria Police officers Lead ing Senior Constable Lynette Taylor, Constable Glen Humphris, Senior Constable Kevin King and Constable Joshua Prestney. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of trafficking illicit drugs – ice, cannabis and 1,4-butanediol.On25August, the Supreme Court of Appeal reduced Singh’s 22-year jail term to 18-and-ahalf years on the grounds of fresh evidence. His non-parole period was also reduced from 18-and-a-half years to 14-and-a-half. In a joint judgement, Justices Karin Emerton, Emilios Kyrou and Terrence Forrest found Singh was entitled to a “cooperation discount” for testifying against his former boss Simiona Tuteru.MrTuteru, who was general manager at the Lyndhurst-based Connect Logistics, is facing trial for alleged manslaughter of the four policeItofficers.wasa “matter of singular regret” that Singh’s offer to testify against Mr Tuteru was not accepted by police until nine days after Singh was sentenced in April 2021, the judges stated.This belated acceptance gave Singh’s offer “significantly more practical value and thus weight”.“Assuming the appellant adheres to the un dertaking, we repeat that we consider the assis tance he has provided as relevant and meaning ful — it cannot be dismissed as trivial.”
Business facing major visa predicament
In resentencing, Singh’s “truly dreadful” offending on the evening of 22 April 2020 was noted.Before his 20-tonne prime mover and trailer struck the officers, Singh had not slept for days, used ice repeatedly and was hallucinating.“The appellant’s driving recorded from Eastlink onwards was simply egregious. “He veered between lanes; he drifted into the emergency lane repeatedly; he caused another motorist to accurately predict that he would kill. And he did.”
Mohinder Bajwa Singh, 49, has had his jail term reduced to up to 18-and-a-half years.
It would also push for more education and skills training designed to meet industry needs, she said. SEMMA has been in talks with Federation University about further micro-credential training.
By Jonty Ralphsmith A Dandenong South manufacturing company is facing the likely prospect of being without a reliable worker for months due to a delay in the sponsorship application. Ezy Pole Co-owner Jeoff Cuberes said the business put in a sponsorship application for qualified fitter-and-turner Anderson in July 2021, but it took 12 months to approve – a pro cess which typically takes about half that time. With his visa expired on Sunday 28 August, Anderson looks certain to need to leave the country for at least two months while the com pany reapplies for a sponsorship. It will mean that Anderson must again pass a skills assessment and English language test. Having worked for Ezy Pole since 2018, and grown his skillset to also help out with weld ing, Anderson has become a crucial piece of theThebusiness.situation will reduce Ezy Pole’s productivity and profit, given the current skills shortage will make it difficult to find a suitable replacement.WhileSouth East Melbourne Manufacturing Alliance (SEMMA) has helped Ezy Pole get an employee to assist, Anderson had far more experience.Asacondition of his visa, Anderson worked no more than 20 hours per week. “What he can do in one day, someone else does in two to two and a half days so he has had a big impact on us,” Mr Cuberes said. “His first sick day was when he had Covid-19 earlier in 2022. Before that, he had gone three and a half years without having a sick day. He’s a top bloke, he’s resilient, relaxed and happy.“He’s easy going, gets along with everyone and knuckles down and works.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells Regional manufacturers’ body South Eastern Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance has hailed the success of its welding school in tackling the‘skills shortage’.
Picture: FACEBOOK
fun?
6 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Drum Theatre Corner Lonsdale & Walker streets, Dandenong | 8571 1666 DRUM.GREATERDANDENONG.VIC.GOV.AU Backstage Tours for kids Tuesday 20 and 27 September, 10am and 1pm Theatre Workshops Tuesday 20 and 27 September, 11.30am Cartooning workshops Wednesday 21 September, 11am-11.45am Li'l Beat(Our Beat for kids) Wednesday 28 September, 11.30am - 1pm Circus workshops Friday 30 September, 2pm-4pm Legally Blonde the Musical Wednesday 14- Saturday 17 September 7.30pm and Saturday 17 September 1pm MUSICAL WOT takes over Our Beat with a makers’ market of South-East visuals.sourcedandbyartists,designers,craftersandsoundtrackedourfavouriteDJsprojectinglocally-filmsand Our Beat: Way Over There Collective Takeover Thursday 22 September, 6.30pm ALL ARTFORMS Escape From Trash Mountain Monday 26 September, 11am PERFORMANCE Trash Puppets workshops Thursday 22 September, 11am & 2pm FREE PUPPET-MAKING WORKSHOP 12562639-ET35-22 BUSINESS IN FOCUS Family-friendly drum fun
Looking for family-friendly This September, the Drum Theatre in Dandenong offers all you need to captivate your young ones. Join professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge (the Word Nerd and the Science Freak) in The Alphabet of Awesome Science for a thrilling voyage through the alphabet – where great big chewy words inspire mind-blowing scientific surprises. Experience twenty-six quirky scientific demonstrations – that squish and squirt, float and fly, erupt and explode. Together, this dad-joke quipping, prank-pulling pair of polished professors strut their stuff in a performance that’s equal parts explosive, messy, spectacular, hilarious, fascinating, and gross. Perfect for kids aged 5-12 and their families, book your tickets today. Experience a puppet show with sustainability at its heart. Escape from Trash Mountain is a poignant look at how good relationships and optimism are the key to saving our planet. Watch in amazement as a large mountain of trash transforms into a cave and becomes the epic playground for our heroes to fight trash bats, navigate treacherous ravines and outwit hideous trash monsters. Children of all ages will be charmed as two performers operate seventeen different puppets and a transforming trash mountain to bring the show to life. Escape From Trash Mountain is fun for the wholeThefamily.Drum Theatre is a place for people to meet, connect, create, and be inspired. Here to support you and the local creative community, come enjoy more exceptional events, experiences, and entertainment with your family this September.Bookyour ticket with confidence. If you are unable to attend due to Covid impacts, your ticket will be refunded. Visit drum.greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au or call 03 8571 1666, 10am4pm, Monday-Friday.
Dandenong North Primary ex-student and now staffer Sobia, middle, with daughter Ayat and mother Alia. 292977
The work was done as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project and $1 billion upgrade and duplication of the Cranbourne line.In total, it is expected to slash 175,000 truck trips on the Monash Freeway and suburban roads each year, and to cut freight transport costs by up to 10 per cent.
The latest episode of an acclaimed homegrown documentary series has made its world premiere in Dandenong. Series creator Amel Tresnjic was among the audience who watched the first screening of Giving Back at Dandenong Civic Centre on 26 August.Thedoco features several former students at Dandenong North Primary School who have returned as teachers. One of them is Tresnjic’s wifeTresnjicAzemina.said he was “very excited to share it with the “Givingworld”.Back is a unique and inspiring story of former students returning to their former primary school to give back and make a difference to following generations. “Not only did they return but in many cases the school and their teachers inspired them to become teachers themselves.” He said their motivation to “give back” came from the“strong impact their own teachers had in becoming who they are”. “It is truly an honour making this film as it highlights the importance of giving back.” Tresnjic has won 55 international film festival awards including for other films featuring Dandenong North Primary School. They include Singfest: The Literacy of Music, The Reading Factory, Talk for Life: English as and Additional Language.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 7
An 865-metre spur-line railway track has been completed in the South East, as part of the Port Rail Shuttle Network (PRSN). The $28 million track via the Cranbourne line will link a massive intermodal freight terminal in Bayliss Road, Dandenong South to the Port of Melbourne.
262395 Picture: CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne said the project was designed to help cope with the growing “Victorian freight task”. “Rail must and will shoulder more of the heavy lifting to keep our economy thriving.
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Dandenong North Primary School teacher Azemina Tresnjic, principal Kevin Mackay and film-maker Amel Tresnjic at Giving Back’s premiere. 292977 Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS
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Alma, Ahdie and Cathy are ex-students who have returned as teachers to Dandenong North Primary School. 292977
A section of the completed 864-metre spur line. World premiere for doco
“That’s why we’re investing in projects like the Port Rail Shuttle Network – to enable producers and operators to transport their product quicker and cheaper to port and to market, as well as create jobs and take more trucks off our local roads.”
Amel Tresnjic and Greater Dandenong Mayor Jim Memeti. 292977
Track laid for inland port, linking South East to city Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne and Salta Properties founding director Sam Tarascio in front of freight hub works in December 2021.
An eager audience at the world premiere of Giving Back. 292977
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams said the project was “critical for the South East economy” as well as commuters, business productivity and job creation. She said it would take “thousands of trucks off the Monash and other key arterial and suburban roads.” The $150 million freight terminal will be built and operated by Salta Properties later thisSaltayear.will build two 650-metre rail tracks to connect the spur line to its 500,000-square metre terminal and warehousing area. The fully-automated terminal will be capable of handling 560,000 containers annually.Salta founding director Sam Tarascio has pushed the vision for 18 years as an answer to road freight and congestion. He recently said it would be a “major godsend” for a precinct filling with importers, exporters and major distribution centres such as Amazon, Bunnings and Woolworths. As part of the PRSN, other freight hubs in Altona and Somerton will also connect to a new rail terminal at Port of Melbourne. By 2050, the Port Rail Shuttle Network is predicted to move 30 per cent of Melbourne containers by rail to terminals in Dandenong South, Altona and Somerton. The Federal Government invested $18.3 million and the Victorian Government $9.7 million in the spur line project.
“Every day sitting in Drug Court I’m in awe of what people can achieve.”
Greater Dandenong city planning director Jody Bosman said the cause was “not limited to one business and do come from a number of different wind directions”.
“This said, council and the EPA have identified some key areas to focus on to improve compliance.”MrBosman said the council and EPA would discuss the findings with Keysborough residents in coming months. Home-based odour monitoring kits would be handed out to “identify odour impacts”.
Southern Cross Primary students Ellie and Ella. 295916
Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERSTeacher Mrs Dennis performs some wizardry. 295916 Teachers Miss Sneddon and Ms Wilson with characters from the Mr Men and Little Miss series. 295916 Teacher Mr Macente embodies Elsa from Frozen. 295916 Some of the array of characters during the Book Week parade. 295916 Celebrating at the Book Week parade. 295916
Another graduate Chloe told the gathering she had been “deep in addiction” and in and out of jail before starting the program in 2020.
Students, parents and staff at Southern Cross Primary School paraded their favourite book characters on 26 August. As part of Book Week, the school community took inspiration from books such as Alice in Wonderland, Frozen, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Snow White. Other favourites were Where’s Wally, Mr Men and Little Miss, Dr Seuss and Harry Pot ter series.
Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan outlined the court’s history from when it started as a three-year pilot in Dandenong in May 2002. Its approach gave a “life changing opportunity” to offenders whose crimes were fed by their substance addiction.
Past graduates became mentors and even employees of the program, Justice Hannan said. “It’s an incredible achievement and shows what can be achieved when people are committed to change and given the right supports to enable that change to happen.”DrugCourt supervising magistrate Suzie Cameron said the program was “not easy – in fact it’s extremely difficult”.
Residents have expressed growing concerns about living near heavy industry, including uproar at a proposed waste-to-energy plant in Dandenong South. Councillor Rhonda Garad said the odour report should be made public.
EPA’s air monitoring station in Greaves Reserve, Dandenong. 280666 Picture: GARY SISSONS By Cam Lucadou-Wells Twenty years of the Dandenong Drug Court “success story” were celebrated on 23 August. In that time, the court has been found to break the cycle of reoffending for many of the near 1700 offenders across four venues in Victoria. About 35 per cent of them completed the intensive two-year program, known as a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Order (DATO).Atthe 20-year birthday were judicial officers, staff, elders and politicians at Dandenong Drug Court.
“Day after day they front up and rise to that challenge,” Ms Cameron said.
“Do you know what you’re signing up for?” magistrate Gerard Bryant told her at theForoutset.thefirst 16 months, she didn’t do well and narrowly avoided having her DATO cancelled. Along the way, she was punished with 14 days in custody. But she managed to get off the needles and heroin, jumped through many hurdles and made the choice to detox. Now she studies Year 10 at TAFE, with a view to studying a Certificate IV in Community Services.
“I want to help someone that has been in my shoes. I want to give hope to those who have lost hope.
Drug Court a success20-year Books brought to life at Southern Cross
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“And strive to be the best person I can be.”Parliamentary secretary to the Attorney-General, Enver Erdogan, and Greater Dandenong mayor Jim Memeti were also among the attendees.
Smell investigated
8 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
“The concern that residents have is that (the emissions) are toxic. They want to be reassured it’s not harming their health.”
By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The success stems from a‘carrot-andstick’ model that tackles the underlying causes of offending such as homelessness, mental illness and trauma. It involves a multi-disciplinary team who deliver frequent drug testing, counselling, stable housing and pathways to employment and education.
In her work Ms Cameron meets a lot of sadness. But the program was “fuelled by hope”.Shenominated her role on Drug Court as her career highlight.
A graduate at Dandenong, who sat in the dock and received a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Order three years ago, was now Ms Cameron’s “colleague” and staffer on the court.
Several culprits are behind the rancid odours plaguing Keysborough residents, a two-year investigation has found. Since 2020, Greater Dandenong Council and the Environment Protection Author ity Victoria have jointly explored the reported garbage-like stench. Many residents say the foul smell has regularly forced them to close windows and bring in washing.Theyhave blamed sites in the toxic industrial 2 zone to the east and the light-industrial zone on Greens Road.
Many participants who have served time inside say that prison is the easier option, she said. The “daunting exercise” requires commitment to change, being vulnerable and confronting issues that led to their substance abuse.
At the behest of mayor Jim Memeti, the council is exploring the barring of additional heavy industries in the industrial 2 zone due to nearby residential estates. The EPA was also contacted for comment.
Councils call for climate initiatives
By Marcus Uhe Health-promoting charity Enliven is partner ing with Victoria University to conduct a Cli mate and Health Survey with a specific focus on Melbourne’s South East. The survey seeks to understand the range of knowledge in the Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia communities about the links between climate change and human health, and in contrast, which groups have the most limited knowledge, and what are the barriers to those residents taking action. Responses well help local organisations plan and better respond to the health impacts of climate Planetarychange.Health Project Officer at Enliven, Georgia Langmaid said they are hoping to bring climate and human health to the fore front of health promotions.
It estimated more than 94,000 visits a year including school use, casual hire and tournaments, generating $6.44 million over the next 10 years. In opposition, mayor Jim Memeti told Star Journal that the council was already building enough regional facilities, such as the new Oasis and the $110 million Dandenong Sports and Events Centre. He expected the project cost would blow out to up to $12 million by the time it was“Dobuilt.weneed to be carrying the region with everything we do?
By Cam Lucadou-Wells Nine councils have called for more state and federal funding to tackle climate change in the South East. In its 2022 policy platform, the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance has called for $70 million funding of regional projects such as a $20 million network of electric ve hicle charging stations. The alliance also calls for $20 million toward ‘active transport’ such as walking and cy cling, $20 million for a gas-transition fund and $10 million to support climate-change adap tion projects in the South East. It is also advocating for “greener, cooler, more liveable cities” and more net-zero-car bonSECCCA’sbuildings.members are councils of Greater Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia Shire, Kingston, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Bass Coast Shire, Bayside and Port Phillip. Each council has declared a climate emergency, and set targets to reduce their corporate carbon-emissions.AccordingtoSECCCA, community surveys in the South East have shown overwhelming support for climate action. Top areas of concern in Casey and Cardinia include bushfires, drought, extreme tempera tures and loss of biodiversity and habitat. In Greater Dandenong, the top concerns were the need for more trees in public spaces and streets, reduced waste to landfill and for the council to use renewable energy. “Action on climate change is front of mind for residents living in the SECCCA region; the community is asking us to take action locally as well as nationally but we can’t do this alone” SECCCA chair and Bass Coast Shire mayor Mi chael Whelan said at the policy launch on 24 August.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 9
South East climate change survey opens
Councillor Tim Dark said the council was “substantially rate-capped”, had posted only a small surplus and was committed to other large projects such as the Keysborough South Community Hub.He argued it was “fairyland stuff” for the council to“throw” $440,000 at a project and hope the state and federal funding would follow. With less than 100 of the GDTTA’s membership living in Grater Dandenong, there were many other sports clubs that could do with the funding, Cr Dark“Itsaid.isfundamentally bad, bad, bad policy, a bad framework and a very bad project.”CrRhonda Garad, supported the concept of replacing the Mills Reserve centre, but on a smaller non-regional scale. Spending on the $9.1 million centre equated to about $30,000 per member – an “outrageous sum of money” on a “very small group of people”.
“This group has been extremely patient, extremely successful … I don’t think it’s much for them to at least ask Council to progress this rather than nipping it in the bud. “If we’re going to talk about per-head spend … let’s run a rule over Dandenong basketball stadium, let’s run a rule over other“Yousports.can’t say that table tennis is not as important. We have to give it a fair chance to attract other funding.”
“Our priorities are aimed at supporting low carbon (electric vehicle) and active transport, creating greener, cooler and more liveable cities and helping our communities adapt to climate“Gettingchange.these things right in our communities will help both State and Federal government to achieve their emissions targets much sooner – which is what everyone is seeking.” Cr Whelan said climate change was leading to rising infrastructure costs due to disasters, rising insurance premiums and rising energy bills due to higher temperatures.
Flooding in Lang Lang this month. 294522
“There’s a lot to do always but I do feel positive about a lot’s that being done.” To participate in the survey, head to enliven.org.au/climatehealthsurveyOnlinefocusgroupsonthesame topic will also be run in October 2022. To join a focus group, head to enliven.org.au/climatehealthfocusgroups Picture: SEHAN SAPLETON
In favour, councillor Sean O’Reilly said the detailed design work was required to help attract state and federal funding for the building, so it wasn’t funded solely by the council.
On the current trajectory, heatwaves will increase eight-fold and rainfall will reduce by up to 10 per cent in the South East by 2050, according to SECCA.
When voted down, the possibility of a regional facility “won’t see the light of day”.Table Tennis Victoria chief executive Gen Dohrmann said the proposed regional table tennis facility was of “great importance … to replace the home that the Greater Dandenong Table Tennis Association currently have that will be demolished”.“Wewill work with both the association, the local Council and the State Government to ensure there is a plan for the future for one of our biggest associations in Victoria.”
“Local government is best-placed to help our communities address climate change, while building resilience and preparing for future impacts,“ Cr Whelan said. SECCCA is also seeking a net-zero emissions target by 2040, and a 67 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 to curtail global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Mayors, councillors and MPs at the launch of SECCCA’s policy platform on 24 August.
“We’re not investigating the impacts, but what the community know about the links of climate change and human health,” Ms Lang maid“Wesaid.know people have food insecurity problems or housing needs and climate change may not be on their list of primary con cerns but we want to know how we can help a vulnerable community adapt and be more resilient.“This project, with the data we’ll receive from survey and the focus groups, will help identify what the community know and don’t know about health impacts of climate change and what they value. Understanding what they value is “We’rekey.hoping to create a communications toolkit for Local Government Areas and stake holders to produce evidence-informed com munications around climate change.” According to Ms Langmaid, environmental and geographical factors make residents in the South East particularly at-risk to climate changeEarlierproblems.thismonth, Caldermeade and Lang Lang experienced flooding which saw the closure of the South Gippsland Highway, while suburbs in the north of Cardinia including Gembrook and Emerald battled persistent storm damage last year as wild weather saw trees fall and houses damaged on multiple occasions.TheCity of Greater Dandenong launched an Urban Forest Strategy with a goal to increase tree canopy coverage in the municipality by six per cent by 2028. But 73 per cent of land in Greater Dandenong is privately owned with low canopy cover, which combined with a disadvantaged population and high temperatures leads to suburbs within the municipality being classified as ‘highly vulnerable’ to urban heat and climate change impacts, the council said. Through the South East Councils Climate Change Awareness, the City of Casey are working with other Local Government Areas in the region to understand the impacts of climate change and how to best prepare for them, such as a rainfall decrease, fire risks and rising temperatures.“TheLGAs we work a lot with in the climate change and health space, there’s a lot of momentum happening in this space in health promotions and community wellbeing areas,” Ms Langmaid said. “Climate change is becoming more prevalent in priority focus of these teams and climate change health impacts are embedded into council health wellbeing plans.
“Consider how many are using the centre, and if we’d get bang for our buckmaybe we should look for the council officers to bring back something smaller.“
From page 1
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$9 backhandersportmillionhub
Rest assured, the next generation is up to the challenge
By Kuranda Seyit, executive director of Forum on Australia’s Islamic Relations
It has been over a year since I wrote my first Message of Hope, and now in a post-pandemic era, we look towards an uncertain future, with rising inflation, job shortages, and the cost-of-living skyrocketing on all fronts, especially energy and petrol prices.
LOOKING BACK Compiled by Dandenong and District Historical Society
Protest Traffic could come to a standstill in Dande nong’s main street next Wednesday during a “militant” minibike demonstration. Plans have been made to have “hundreds“ of chil dren push their minibikes continually over the main street, as well as a parade of bannerwaving adults. The demonstration will be held to protest over alleged delays by Dandenong Council over providing a track in the district for minibike enthusiasts. The man behind the confrontation is Mr Frank Burwash, president of the Dandenong-Doveton Minibike and Go Kart Club, who said the demonstration would begin at noon. He said his efforts so far have been fruitless and he sent a strongly worded one-page letter to Dandenong Council which was discussed by council’s recreation committee last Monday night. 20 years ago 26 August Councillors2002clash Greater Dandenong council will tonight (Monday) vote on a no-confidence motion in Cr John Kelly – the Southeast Regional Waste Management (SERWMG) Group chairman. Cr Kevin Walsh called for the vote of no confidence following an audit called by Cr Kelly that cleared the group of any impropriety concerning overseas trips by SERWMG representatives. Cr Walsh, an accountant, said: “The report basically proves nothing. Ernest and Young did what was asked of them. However, when it comes to proving anything, such a report is not worth the paper it is written on - much less the $10,000 that it cost.”
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Barb Bradlington with Yvette Hayes micro-enterprise coach at Dandenong Good Money in 2018. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
100 years ago 31 August 1922 State Income Tax Returns
The State Income Tax (office) notifies in our advertising columns that Thursday August 31 1922 is the date fixed for lodging State Income Tax returns for the 12 months ended June 30 1922, and wishes attention be drawn to the fact that, by the amendment of the Income Tax Act, in addition to all other taxpayers, all farm ers, graziers, orchardists, nurseryman etc who were previously exempt are now required to make returns, no mater what the unimproved value of their land may be.
50 years ago August Massive1972Minibike
10 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au
MESSAGE OF HOPE
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Lyndale debaters do battle
meshGradeHaleemahThesaid.BGradeteamcomprisedDanyaDaoud,IllyasandIbrahamRifaie,IntheDteamwereChristinaShaiju,KishoreRaandAaliyahHeather.
The two Lyndale Secondary College teams face to face. Picture: GARY SISSONS
But a defiant Cr Kelly, who was last month elected SERWMG chairman, said a no-confidence motion was politically motivated and that he would act on a promise of opening up a “can of worms” on the Labor-dominated council.
For an average family, life is getting very tough, expensive and it’s a challenge just to juggle all the bills, expenses, and those extras we have become accustomed to, like eating out, movies and weekend holidays away. I for one, having just returned from five weeks abroad in Turkiye, now have a huge hole in my pocket. But this is where we have to be smart, innovative, and resilient. I am optimistic that the global issues we are currently witnessing will pan out and stabilise. We have to remain patient, as we go through this tough period. During this time, it’s important to curb our spending, look at alternative ways to entertain the family, and spend more quality time together, just doing the basic things, like, talking. I have always been an advocate for getting off our mobile phones and getting back to Nature, and strongly recommend that we allocate at least one day a week to being a mobile-free day. As a teacher, our students are told to leave their phones in their lockers and as difficult as that may sound, it is possible to survive without your phone. I hope that as a community we can begin the conversation about new technologies and social media, the impact it is having directly on us and particularly on our children. The problem is that we have such a diverse nature to our community, we are all at differing levels and experiencing different issues depending on how long you have been in Australia.Fornew and emerging communities, which Dandenong has many, we need to have supports in place. Many parents are struggling to communicate with their children, who are increasingly becoming aloof from the parents, as they try to fitOther,in. more established communities have children who have lost touch with their own culture and identity. I hope that we as Australians, can promote a strong connection to our faith, our culture, and our heritage, in order that we enrich our sense of identity and strengthen our resilience to deal with the constant and everchanging challenges ahead.
For me as a Muslim, my faith has really honed my sense of identity and my temperament to deal with life’s challenges, I find that it gives me a clear direction and a genuine sense of hope. I know that my friends from other faith backgrounds also share a similar sense of hope.The collective challenge for us as a community and for the Government is to continue supporting our youth, through our schools and our community facilities, in an attempt to maintain strong family links, providing avenues and pathways for success, especially through vocational guidance.
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The next decade will see some very big changes but looking at many of the students I have taught, now in their early 20’s, I have some confidence that the next generation of youth will sensibly navigate the challenges while maintaining a healthy ethical and moral society.Here’s to the new generation, let’s give them every opportunity possible!
There are no regrets for two teams of debaters from Lyndale Secondary College. Its B Grade (senior) and D Grade (junior) teams progressed to the fifth and final round of the Debating Association Victoria schools competition finals. Kishore Ramesh was awarded best speaker during her D Grade team’s win over Haileybury College. They debated why they don’t regret the rise of social media in fighting crime. With about one hour to prepare notes, the team argued that social media was an impor tant crime-solving tool. It also helped give voice to victims of crime, Kishore said. She was able to thrive in the spotlight, but still admitted to some nerves. But the experience builds confidence, public speaking skills and ability to think your feet, she
5 years ago 28 August 2017 Good move for free cash No- and low-interest loans could be helping 35,000 people in the Greater Dandenong area. Dandenong’s Good Money store cel ebrated its fifth anniversary on Monday 21 August. Since opening in 2012, the Lons dale Street site has provided nearly $3 mil lion in safe and affordable loans to people on low incomes. Good Shepherd Micro Fi nance CEO Adam Mooney said a partnership between Good Shepherd Microfinance, the State Government and National Australia Bank brough the concept to life. Dandenong women Rachel Adams is a single mother on a disability pension. Through Good Money she’s brought two couches, a bed, a com puter, a fridge, and a washing machine. “It’s just fantastic and I hope they stay around for ever,” she said.
AidanRyanaddressinghisteamontheday.
The state government announced on Thursday 25 August the opening of the Monash Clinic alongside a clinic near Royal Chikdren’s Hospital, which started taking patients on 29 August.
By Jonty Ralphsmith
The clinics will be free, with or without a Medicare card. They will be open seven days a week, with weekday opening hours running from approximately 6pm to 11pm and weekend hours to be confirmed.
A paediatric clinic at the Monash Children’s Hospital will open next month. The clinic will reduce demand on the hospital system by preventing avoidable visits to the emergency department.
Hutchins School in Tasmania also involved as all schools celebrated the return of grand fi nal day after two Covid-19 cancelled years.
New clinic for children
The Haileybury parents group cooked 800 sau sages, 500 kranskies, 300 burtgers ans sold 200 bacon and egg rolls at the Victorian Schools rugby union grand final on Saturday 20 August. “That gives you an idea of the size of the day and how big the event was,” Haileybury’s director of rugby Aidan Ryan said. More than 300 of Victoria’s talented Young rugby players from 14 mostly APS and AGSV schools descended on the Haileybury grounds for seven matches played across the day. The feature match was the division one under 18 grand final between a young Brighton Grammar team and powerhouse St. Kevin’s, with the latter getting the win, making it 10 consecutive titles.
“A massive increase in public transport services will make it easier for people to switch to cheaper and climate-friendly transport,” he said.“More trains and trams will cut climatedamaging transport emissions and make it easier and cheaper to get around our city.”
Haileybury parents cook up on rugby grand final day
The two clinics will see a combined 150 patients per week, according to a state government media release. While children can continue to be seen at any of Victoria’s GP respiratory clinics, these two new paediatric-focused clinics will allow kids with low to moderate symptoms to receive free and immediate treatment for a range of respiratory conditions in a more child-friendly environment.
“The maintenance crew and people around the grounds keep asking what the team is look ing like – rugby has really become part of the school conversation, like your mainstream sports, and I think it is only going to get bigger.”
In Ryan’s first year at the school in 2018, some tough results Hurt the rugby program but it rebounded in 2019, reaching the division two grand final and 2022 has been another step“It’sforward.asetof results that haven’t been since the late 80s or early 70s so it’s a great time for rugby at the school,” Ryan said. I’ve never been more excited about a sports program in a long time, the effort from the school should be praised.”
There was much hype ahead of the day, with Ryan estimating each grand finalist brought 200 parochial supporters, contribut ing to a hyped-up atmosphere, and crowd of about 1500 throughout the day.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 11
Victorian commuters could experience a ma jor boost in metropolitan train and tram ser vices under a plan released by the Greens in the lead up to the November state election. Trains would run every ten minutes or even less across the majority of the network from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, and most would run every ten minutes in the early morning and evening. Trams would run at peak-hour frequency all day from 7am to 7pm, and trains every ten minutes during off-peak times on every line except the Cranbourne,Williamstown and Up fieldThelines.plan has been independently costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office and would require $821.5 million over the forward esti mates.Currently commuters can wait up to 20 minutes for a train or tram across Melbourne. Victorian Greens transport spokesperson Sam Hibbins said that was not acceptable.
Picture:SUPPLIED
After spending some time in division two, Haileybury was back in the top grade, netting a 5-5 win-loss record to finish sixth out of the ten teams, beating rivals including Xavier College and Melbourne Grammar.
Telehealth options will be available for COVID positive patients or those unable to travel to a clinic, and children are still able to be seen at existing respiratory clinics –many of which are open seven days a week with extended operating hours. The clinics will be staffed by qualified clinicians, including GPs and nurses, who are highly experienced in working with children and providing immediate support to their Hospitalpatients.emergency departments are still seeing a high number of respiratory illnesses among children, which can be expected to continue as spring approaches, when cases of hay fever will be on the rise and the risk of thunderstorm asthma increases.“Kids with respiratory illnesses are presenting to emergency departments in record numbers, and with spring just around the corner, we know demand for these services will continue,” premier Dan Andrews said.“These clinics are part of our plan to ease pressure onVictoria’s health system and ensure that all Victorians can access the care they need, sooner, and closer to home.”
On Saturday, Haileybury played the fifthplace playoff against Scotch College, going down 30-28, with Scotch winning via a penalty conversion on the last kick of the game. Haileybury’s under 15s were also in action, playing a curtain raiser to the grand final and winning 31-7 against Marcellin College.
ApaedeatricclinicwillopenatMonashinSeptember.
NEWS Greens flag transport plan
For Haileybury itself, the day capped a terrific season.
The massive public transport boost is part of the Victorian Greens’ push to support people to make the switch to climate-friendly transport.Withtransport being Victoria’s biggest growing source of carbon emissions, increas ing the frequency of trains and trams will help reduce emissions from petrol-guzzling cars and make it easier to get around. The Greens will also fast-track the planning of new tunnels and tracks needed to increase peak-hour services across greater Melbourne and regional Victoria. The massive boost to train and tram services is in addition to the Greens’ recently announced plan for solarpowered, high frequency bus networks across Melbourne and regional cities.
12 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au *Call for Terms & ConditionsCall Now! 1800 440 440 Margann. | “Best Ladder on the market” Simply the best ladder I’ve ever used, it’s everything it’s cracked up to be and the little extras such as the work platforms, leg adjusters and wall standoff make it incredible value. Need Ladder?A The Amazing, Portable, Easy to Use Ladder System *1 x Wall Standoff + 2 x Work Platforms + 2 x Leg Levellers *Ts & Cs Apply Worth Free Gifts* $660.00 Free • Certified Safety Rating up to 180kg • Use it on Stairs Safely • Create your own Scaffolding System • Versatile, Compact and Telescopic Free 12565177-AV35-22
has made it his mission to complex grieving process for donors’ families. “Out of one person, you have seven transSIGNNOW!UP NOBLE PARK LAUNDROMAT OasisLiving The Dry actor City’s City’s top citizen Scan this QR code to subscribe Or visit dandenong.starcommunity.com.au/subscribe
The awards recognise organisations and individuals who are trailblazers, leading the way in Victoria’s transition to a circular, climate-resilient economy. For people wanting to transition, it costs $5000 upfront – but rebates will reduce that cost closer to $2000 – and you can contact RACV Solar in Dandenong South.
By Jonty Ralphsmith
A hot water system designed by SolarThermal Australia hit the market in 2018 and saves users 10-11 kilowatts and about $4 per day or as much as 80 per cent on hot water bills.
The six year parts and labour warranty on the compressor and 10-year warranty on the tank is industry-leading, highlighting its reliability.“We’ve designed a unit that recovers quickly and works really well in cold climates such as Tasmania and New Zealand’s South Island where heat pumps have struggled to perform well,” spokesperson Chris Taylor said “We do it without any supplementary backup so we don’t have an electric element in the tank or gas to boost it, we’re eliminating all the nasty fossil fuels to deliver the best hot water as quickly and cheaply as we can.”
A Hallam renewable energy provider has been announced as a finalist in 2022’s Premier Sustainability Awards.
Hallam hot water company recognised
The hot water system has attracted praise.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 13 NEW and sports balls that float 12554690-ET25-22 Subscribe to the Dandenong Star Journal Digital Edition FREE 12520897-BL46-21 We’re here to keep your car running. 40¢ Inc. GST DANDENONG /DandenongJournal @StarJournal_SEdandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 26 October, 2021 PAGE 10 SPORTPAGE 5PAGE 3 dismissedobjectionsResidentsfoldseggBelovedfarm Home parkHalloweengrown Sri starcricketLankansigns
The higher working pressure enables higher temperatures to be reached faster, making it one of the best systems for cold climates.
Second
Picture: SUPPLIED
go at life
By Cam Lucadou-Wells Twanny Farrugia
Trailblazing
NEWS Encouraging
Visit educationeducationgreaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/waste-tofindoutmoreaboutourwasteprograms.
Four years of investigation, exploration and modification preceded the hot water system hitting the market as the company sought a product that would replicate the perks of traditional non-renewable units.
Mayor, Cr Jim Memeti and Cr Rhonda Garad with students from Keysborough Gardens Primary School.
composting Council’s Waste Education Team has returned to the classroom to encourage composting by students.During the pandemic, Waste Education Officers supported online education, but re cently returned for face-to-face learning hold ing composting workshops with Year 1 and 3 students at Keysborough Gardens Primary School.Sessions covered the benefits of composting including what items can and can’t be composted, and some hands-on activities, including a planting workshop with compost and recycled egg cartons. Students learnt the importance of separating rubbish into the appropriate bins and how we can ensure our rubbish gets turned into something useful. In this case, food scraps placed into the green lid garden waste bin are turned into high quality compost to help feed ourBygardens.educating children through schools and kindergartens important messages are shared with families, friends and the whole community about how to implement sustainable practices that create long-term change.
Phone Martin Pater on 0409 900 616 by 3 September to reserve a seat. Spirituality of Mother Earth at The Open Door Join us for this series of two workshops facili tated by Sr Corrie MSS as she leads us through an insightful and in-depth exploration of our universe, understanding our belief systems, the natural world and the whole of creation through the cosmos.
· If you would like to win this prize for your dad simply log onto the Armada Dandenong Plaza’s Facebook competition* from Friday 19 August to Thursday 1 September 2022 go to facebook.com/dandenongplazashopping For more information visit: www.armadadandenongplaza.com.au or facebook.com/dandenongplazashopping Stamps
· Bookings essential. Call Brigitte on 0491 626 527. Father’s Day Armada Dandenong Plaza is on the look out for local sporty dads, fashionable dads and foodie dads this coming Father’s Day 2022. As part of the centre’s Father’s Day Facebook Competi tion giveaway, three dads that fall into the cat egory of sporty, fashionable and foodie will win a gift pack with vouchers from retailers based on those three themes. The Father’s Day Com petition Prizes include: 1x Sporty Dad Gift Card pack includes gift cards from - Rebel Sport, Foot Locker, Sportsfirst, Rivers and a 3-day membership at Snap Fitness; 1x Fashionable Dad Gift Card Pack including gift cards from YD, Connor, Mancave and Black Art; 1x Foodie Dad Gift Card pack including - Woolworths, Coles and Armada Dandenong Plaza Fresh Food vouchers.
We invite artists of all ages and experience to enter our October 2022 show! This years Open 1st Prize is $500 and our Junior 1st Prize is $200. It’s only $5 per artwork for open artists to enter and for junior artists the entry is FREE.
The Dandenong Philatelic Society meets on the fourth Thursday of every month.
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Fun for retirees Waverley Gardens Combined Probus Club is seeking new members from Dandenong North, Noble Park and Springvale North. In addition to other activities, members meet for coffee and listen to a guest speaker.
WHAT’S ON SEMMA Meets Rotary Vonda Fenwick, CEO of the South East Mel bourne Manufacturers Association, will be Guest Speaker at the Rotary Club of Greater Dandenong and Endeavour Hills dinner meet ing on Tuesday 6 September at the Dandenong Club from 6.30pm. Vonda will be speaking on the effects Covid restrictions have had on local manufacturing, how some manufacturers dealt with them and the way forward. Everyone is welcome to attend. There is no cost involved, other than optional food and drink, but bookings are essential.
· Submissions close on Friday 16 September. Details: raphy-competitiongreaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/photogConversation circle Join the Conversation Circle at Dandenong Library and make new friends whilst practising English in a friendly, relaxed and safe environment. This program is suitable for adults. Low to intermediate levels of English language skills are required.
Star News Needlocalstaff? Thengiveusthejob... Need local staff? Then give us the job... we will advertise it in our employment section and attract local staff 12544970-HC15-22
· From 9.45am to noon on the last Tuesday of the month at Southern Community Centre, 27 Rupert Dr, Mulgrave. Details: Don, 9560 6046. Photography competition Every year Greater Dandenong City Council produces a Community Calendar for residents which features photos taken in our municipality. Residents can submit photos taken in their local community to win cash prizes and feature in the 2023 calendar. All photos chosen to appear in the calendar will also feature in an exhibition at the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre later this year. Photos can be of architecture, outdoor space or something different that captures your Prizesimagination.are$1000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place.
To find out more, ring Dennis 0429 236 382 or Peter 0409 985 636. Noble Park Art Show
Dinner with a VIEW Dandenong Evening VIEW club will meet on Tuesday, 6 September,for dinner at the Dande nong RSL at 7 pm. Guest speaker will speak about “Falls Prevention”. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education for Women and the Club supports The SMITH Family’s Learning for Life Program.
Noble Park Community Centre Art Show will take place from 14-16 October. · Entries close Friday 30 September 2022, 4pm! To enter click the link: cartshow.org/2022-show/enterhttps://www.npcMen’s Shed Keysborough Men’s Shed is a group based on old-fashioned mateship. It provides a place where men can feel included and safe, and is a tonic for their health and wellbeing. Activities include woodwork projects, cooking for lunches, welding, maintenance around the place and assistance to the community. It’s in the reserve outside the rear of Resurrection Primary School, 402 Corrigan Road, Keysborough (enter driveway opposite 16 Loxwood Avenue).
· When: Thursdays 1 & 8 September 1pm-3pm, followed by a cuppa. Where: The Open Door, 110 Ann St, Dandenong. Suggested donation: $5. Please contact Jo/Tayla on 9791 8664 or theopendoor@ssjg.org.au to book in now!
· We meet at the Senior Citizens Hall, The Crescent, Springvale. Doors open 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Your $2 entry fee includes a chance to win a door prize plus a light supper. For further information contact Cheryl Johnson on 9551 3197.
· When: Every Thursday during school terms 6-7.30pm. Green thumbs If you enjoy gardening, then come along to the Springvale Garden Club’s meeting on Wednesday the 17th August where our guest speaker will be Maureen Lucas. Maureen is a well known horticultural columnist for many magazines and also a HSV judge.
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The Dandenong Philatelic Society founded in 1972 is seeking new members. The Club meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Church of Christ Hall, 139 David Street, DandeWithnong.meetings commencing at 7PM. It provides a place to meet with likeminded people to discuss all aspects of the philatelic spectrum. The club offers circuit sheets and a small auction where members can purchase stamps or sell their excess material. Each May the club holds an auction with a smaller one in November.
Fridays 9am to 2pm. Details: Michael Howlett, 0408 545 196.
Photos tellyour stories This photo of Marbie, taken Hoppers Crossing FREE EVERY WEEK • Dandenong Coles Express 61-65 Cheltenham Road • Dandenong United Service Station (Pie Face) 100 Cheltenham Road • Dandenong Dandy Mart 17 Cleeland Street • Dandenong Dandenong Market 40 Cleeland Street • Dandenong Dandenong RSL 44-50 Clow Street • Dandenong India Bazaar 77 Foster Street • Dandenong Dandenong Oasis Heatherton Road & Cleeland Street • Dandenong Dandenong IGA 78-84 Hemmings Street • Dandenong Dandenong Neighbourhood House 34 King Street • Dandenong Well Springs for Women 79 Langhorne Street • Dandenong Remax Real Estate Shop 14, 30-32 Langhorne Street • Dandenong Bestway Supermarket 200-208 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong City of Greater Dandenong 225 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong Creston Real Estate 264 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong Hall & Partners First National 254 Lonsdale Street • Dandenong Drum Theatre Lonsdale Street & Walker Street • Dandenong Dandenong Plaza 23-55 McCrae Street • Dandenong Coles Supermarket 23-55 McCrae Street (Dandenong Plaza) • Dandenong Rockyz Mini Mart 10 Princes Highway • Dandenong LH Fresh Supermarket 169 Princes Highway • Dandenong Caltex Dandenong 154-156 Princes Highway • Dandenong Coles Supermarket Dandenong 23-26 Princes Highway • Dandenong Genesis Fitness Club Dandenong 63 Scott Street • Dandenong Valley Village Mews 112 Stud Road • Dandenong Dandenong Basketball Stadium 270 Stud Road • Dandenong Caltex Star Mart Stud Road & Heatherton Road • Dandenong Dandenong Lotto 308 Thomas Street • Dandenong Gulistan Supermarket 187-189 Thomas Street • Dandenong Quest Hotel 2-Oct Walker Street • Dandenong McLennan Real Estate First floor, 126 Walker Street • Dandenong North Foodworks Dandenong North 42-44 Brady Road • Dandenong North Dunearn Pharmacy 11a Dunearn Road • Dandenong North Coles Express 166 Heatherton Road & Stud Road • Dandenong North BP Service Station Heatherton Road & Stud Road • Dandenong North Dandenong North Senior Citizens Club 41a Latham Crescent • Dandenong North FoodWorks Menzies Cellars 52 Menzies Avenue • Dandenong North Menzies Milkbar 64 Menzies Avenue • Dandenong North IGA Friendly 54 Outlook drive • Dandenong North Liberty Fuel 182 Stud Road • Dandenong South Georges Lunch Box 22a Amberley Crescent • Dandenong South BP Service Station 175-187 Greens Road • Dandenong South Lunchmaster 3/491 Hammond Road • Dandenong South Kirkham Road Milk Bar 102 Kirkham Road • Dandenong South Woolworths Supermarket 81-125 Princes Highway • Dandenong South Shell Service Station 50 South Gippsland Highway • Dandenong South United Petroleum 314 South Gippsland Highway • Dandenong South Caltex Service Station 275-295 South Gippsland Highway • Dingley Village Dingley Village Newsagency Shop 2/79 Centre Dandenong Road • Doveton Doveton News and Lotto 7 Autumn Place • Doveton Bottle O 2-Apr Linden Place • Doveton Shell Service Station 48 Princes Highway • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue • Endeavour Hills Woolworths Service Station Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre) • Endeavour Hills O’Brien Real Estate Shop PS 5A Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthews Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre) • Endeavour Hills Coles Supermarket Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre • Endeavour Hills Woolworths Supermarket Cnr Heatherton Road & Matthew Flinders Avenue (Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre • Endeavour Hills 7 Eleven Endeavour Hills Cnr Heatherton Road & Power Road • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Milk Bar 13 Gleneagles Drive • Endeavour Hills Endeavour Hills Medical Centre 61 Heatherton Road • Endeavour Hills Liberty Service Station 13-17 Heatherton Road • Endeavour Hills Ocean Blue Milk Bar 90/92 John Fawker Drive • Endeavour Hills Nicholls Gledhill Real Estate 2 Raymond McMahon Boulevard • Eumemmerring Atura Hotel May-17 Doveton Avenue • Eumemmerring Caltex Woolworths Service Station 40/44 Princes Highway • Eumemmerring BP Service Station 60-64 Princes Highway • Hampton Park Hampton Park Library 26 Stuart Avenue • Keysborough Caltex Keysborough 248 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Parkmore Shopping Centre 317 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Barry Plant Real Estate Shop 1,320 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough 7 Eleven Keysborough 309 Cheltenham Road & Cnr Kingsclere Road • Keysborough Woolworths Supermarket 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough Coles Supermarket 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough O’Briens Real Estate Shop 6, 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough City of Greater Dandenong Shop A07, 317 Cheltenham Road (Parkmore Shopping Centre) • Keysborough Michaels IGA 466 Cheltenham Road • Keysborough Keysborough Learning Centre 402 Corrigan Road • Keysborough Foodworks Keysborough 285-289 Corrigan Road • Mulgrave Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre 271 Police Road • Noble Park Sandown Park Hotel Corrigan Road • Noble Park Coles Supermarket 1 Douglas Street • Noble Park Noble Park Newsagency 22 Douglas Street • Noble Park Harvey Real Estate 26 Douglas Street • Noble Park Century 21 Real Estate 38 Douglas Street • Noble Park Ray White Real Estate 42 Douglas Street • Noble Park Caltex Woolworths Heatherton Rd & Chandler Highway • Noble Park Noble Park RSL 1128 Heatherton Road • Noble Park Lucky Star Lotto 1268 Heatherton Road • Noble Park Cellarbrations 3 Leonard Ave • Noble Park Noble Park Aquatic Centre 9 Memorial Drive • Noble Park Noble Park Community Centre Memorial Drive (Ross Reserve) • Noble Park Noble Park Bowls Club 56 Moodemere Street • Noble Park Barry Plant Real Estate 390 Princes Highway • Noble Park Harrisfield Milkbar 519 Princes Highway • Noble Park North Halton Road Milk Bar 65 Coolavin Road • Noble Park North Jan Wilson Community Centre Halton Road (Barry J Powell Reserve) • Noble Park North Jacksons Road Service Station 139 Jacksons Road • Springvale Century 21 Real Estate Shop 5-6/64 Buckingham Avenue • Springvale Springvale Shopping Centre 46-58 Buckingham Avenue • Springvale KFL Supermarket 46-58 Buckingham Avenue (Springvale Shopping Centre) • Springvale Springvale Learning & Activities Centre 1 Osborne Avenue • Springvale Springvale RSL 23 Osborne Avenue • Springvale Caltex Woolworths Springvale 102 Police Road • Springvale Aobao Milk Bar 106 Police Road • Springvale Savemore Supermarket 774 Princes Highway • Springvale Coles Supermarket 825 Princes Highway • Springvale Sundowner Caravan & Cabin Park 870 Princes Highway • Springvale Springvale Neighbourhood House 46-50 Queens Avenue • Springvale Biggin Scott Real Estate 363 Springvale Road • Springvale Raine and Horne Real Estate 236 Springvale Road • Springvale Woolworths Supermarket 302 Springvale Road • Springvale Springvale Newsagency 321 Springvale Road • Springvale Springvale Library 411 Springvale Road • Springvale City of Greater Dandenong Customer Service Centre 397-405 Springvale Road • Springvale South Southvale Newsagency 565 Springvale Road • Springvale South Koh’s Marketplace 162-170 Athol Road (Athol Road Shopping Centre) • Springvale South BP Service Station Springvale Road & Clarke Road • Springvale South Springvale Plaza Pharmacy and Tattslotto 3/800 Heatherton Road (Springvale Plaza) • Springvale South BP Springvale 974 Heatherton Road • Wheelers Hill Mulgrave Country Club Wellington Road & Jells Road Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Dandenong Star Journal or Endeavour Hills Doveton Hallam Star Journal from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every week! Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets... 12542625-JW13-22 Scan this QR code to Subscribe for FREE now! Or visit: starcommunity.com.au/subscribe 12496498-DL22-21 12532456-HC04-22 We’re open to keep your car running.PURCHASE ONLINE OR CONTACT US ON 9792 5835 & COLLECT AT STORE DANDENONGCnr Frankston-Dandenong Rd & Zenith Rd PH: 9792 5835 autobarn.com.au 40¢ Inc. GST DANDENONG /DandenongJournal @StarJournal_SE dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 PAGE SPORT PAGE 7 PAGE 3 DayHarmonyCelebrating Little revealedmasterplanIndia Vale AlfredGoldburg‘Alf’ Local starsset VFLforseason Valour rewardedBy Cam Lucadou-WellsA quick-thinking hero who pulled dazed driver out of her burning vehicle in Dandenong South has been awarded CommendationChrisBraveConduct.Wilton,fromRowville, had beenhiswaytoworkabout6.20amon September2015 savedouttheothercarsonflames.herpresencewasvatedgetMrandHammondcarWhen“halfasleepandneedingcoffee”.themechanicalengineersawamulti-crashonDandenongBypasstheRoadintersection,thingsquicklyfromto100”.Hespottedwoman,‘Emily’,stillincarhadslammedintobackanothermountedthemedianstrip.sawflamescomingoutofthebonnet,”said.wasyellingoutofmywindowforheroutofthecar.”Emilywasshocked,frozenunderanacti-airbagasspreadunderthevehicle.MrWiltontriedtoopenthecardoorbutjammed.Thewasdrive.Wiltontheofmindleanthroughthewindowpullonhandbrake.“Comeon,we’vegottogetoutofthecar,”urgedthedriver.Hemanagedtouncoupleherseatbelt,grabunderherarmsandherfreetheMinuteslater,thecarwasengulfedinJustbeforeemergencyservicesarrivedthescene.MrWiltonrememberedtherewerelotaroundatthetime.Thedriverstwocarswerestandingontheothersideofbypass,havingachat.“NooneelsewasawarethatEmilywasincar,”hesaid.“Iwastryingtowavedownworkutesputthefire,noonepulledover.”MrWilton’sclearthinkingmaywellhaveEmily’slife.soonsawsomeoneincar,didn’thavetothinkaboutit
Regardless, the event was perspective-just makes you think that anything sarytheyherhappenatanypoint.”He’skepttouchwithEmily,checkingwelfareinmonthsafterthecrash,texteachotherontherescue’sanniver-eachyear.ShenominatedMrfor DecorationsGovernor-Generalforwasthebraverycommendation.“Speakingherovertheyears,it’sjustliketherightplaceatrighttime.”WiltonwasoneofpeopleannouncedAustralianBraverydecorationsmonth.TwobraverylistsarerecommendedtothebytheAustralianBraveryCouncileachyear.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 15 12477071-CG03-21 Shop T3A, Manor Lakes Central 455 Ballan Road, Manor Lakes (Next Manor Lakes Medical Centre) E: lawule@gmail.com 0433 572 664 YOUR FINE ASIAN FOODSTORE FOR ALL YOURGROCERY NEEDS. NOW OPEN WESTOCKTHAI,FILIPINO,BURMESE,KOREAN,CHINESEANDMANYMORE! 12480371-DL06-21 FEBRUARY 2021 STARWEEKLY.COM.AU ByAleshaCapone viewercommentsaccusationtheforcedbroadcastbylikeatfireSomeWyndhamcouncillorshavecomeunderfortheirbehaviourduringheateddebatepublicmeetinglastTuesday.Councillorshavebeendescribedbehavingchildrenandbeing“petulantchild”viewerswatchingthemeetingaswasliveonFacebook.AtonepointmayorAdeleHegedichwastointerject.debatedeterioratedintobickeringoverpronunciationofacouncillor’sname,andanofabusivelanguagebeingused.“I’mappalledbybehaviour,toneandmadebysomepeopletonight”,onestated.“Communityareinterestedadultsbehavingadults”wroteanother,andonecouncillor Council ‘soap opera’
Chris Wilton near the intersection’s centre median strip where he rescued a dazed driver a burning car.
Picture: SISSONS
Wyndham residents are being invitedto enter an amateur photo competitionwhich aims to showcase locals cametogether during the COVID-19 pandemic.Non-profit group, Bridge Builders Victorian and AdministrativeTribunal has given the developer permissiondivide siteinto227residentiallots, erSarahagreementtheCatholicEducationOfficepulledoutofantobuildschoolthere.CrGilligan’smotioncalledforTarneitMPConnollytobeaskedtopubliclysupport stagesoftheSchools4Wyndhamadvocacy.motionalsocalledthecouncil toundertake strategic planning review to look at how it could put place strongerplanning controls around sites designatedfor non-government schools and communityinfrastructure.CrGilligandescribed the changes to hisoriginalnoticeofmotionas“ridiculous”.HequestionedCrSzatkowski’smotives for separateyouwaschamber”.ofraisedtwice,Gilliganto“pronouncemysurnamecorrectly”.AertryingtosayCrSzatkowski’ssurnameCrGilliganinsteadaddressedhimbyhisname.Asthedebatecontinued,CrSahanaRameshpointoforderaccusingCrGilligan“usingabusivelanguageinthecouncilemayorsaidshedidnothearexactlywhatsaid,“buttherewasanylanguage,canpleaserefrainfromusingitagain”.CouncillorsvotedCrSzatkowski’smotions.Allwerepassed.justacted.hope would be what someone else wouldandtheahavedoneinthesameposition.”turnedoutthecrashhadbeencausedbylargepartfallingfromthebackoftruckonroad.AsasMrWiltonknows,thetruckdrivernotbeenidentified.
16 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au 12565561-AV35-22 General Classifieds section of Network Classifieds. Motoring Buy,&Sellinour section of Network Classifieds. Andrew Craven Concretingwww.andrewcravenconcreting.com.au Phone Andrew on 0408 585 508, 5998 1127 Support your local tradesman for ALL your concreting needs! C1085227-JO32-13 ALL TYPES OF GATES & FENCES • Automatic & Sliding • Ballustrading • Pool & Garden Fencing FREE QUOTES • 9791 9877 • 0411 636 400 12481388-NG07-21 J.L. Hutt Electrical 24 HOUR SERVICE Jason 1300 644 698 12438941-CG04-20 V Electricians A & F CONCRETING • SPECIALISING IN ALL TYPES OF CONCRETING/ CONCRETE PATTERN, SLABS • FOUNDATIONS ETC. • ALL DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL FREE QUOTE ANY TIME RING 9700 4378 C63804-BG25-8 SAXON FENCING Palings, Pickets, Colorbond Fences & Gates Prompt and Reliable Service Phone 0419 775 259 or 8751 4016 C1101420-JO46-13 V Concrete Products & Services V Fencing & GatesDRAFTING All residential houses, extensions, garages and carports. Phone BARRY 9704 0148 After 6pm G6102263AA-dc17Jun Specialising in air conditioning and heating • Service and repairs to ducted heaters and evaporative coolers • Gas ducted heating changeover units • Carbon Monoxide testing • Installations & supply of split system heating & cooling • Service, repairs and replacement of hot water services LIC. 33033 BRIVIS / VULCAN / BONAIRE / BRAEMAR NEED A LOCAL HEATING AND HOT WATER REPAIRER? Steve on 0407 704 213 Credit Card Welcome 34 years experience S PLUMBING & HEATING www.settlementplumbing.com 12550148-RC20-22 V Drafting Celebrations section of Network Classifieds. QUALITY HOME CONCRETING No job too big or too small Free quote • Compare our prices! 9795 4247 0407 324 768G5790601AA-dc18FebReal Estate Buy,Rent&Sellinthe section of Network Classifieds. All Types of Domestic & Commercial Work ★ ★ Call Chris: 0416 079 689 - 5940 7264 L&L ELECTRICS 1198421-ACM37-15Footings, garages, v crossings, drives, paths & patios. In plain, colour, slate or stencil. Also drainage, saw cutting, 3T excavator, bobcat & tip trucks. NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL Ring Jim for a free quote 0417 054 198 MEB & SON CONCRETING 12390512-ACM24-18 Fully Licenced Builder/Carpenter ON TIME, EVERY TIME Discounts apply Contact Trevor: 0403 644 780 12511858-CG36-21 • Deckings • Pergolas • Renovations • Bathrooms • Small Excavation Work • Repairs • All aspects of building Hot Winter Specials Pensioner Discounts • Brivis Gas Ducted Heaters • Daikin & Rinnai Splits • Installs - Service - Repairs • Duct inspections & Repairs 9702 4410REC 17042 PIC 38148 AU 06212 www.fairbairns.com.au 12541726-HC12-22 V Concrete Products & Services V Electricians V Heating Specialising in Kitchen & BathroomRenovation, Carpentry, Rubbish Removal, Pergolas, Tiling, Painting 12450356-LB27-20 QUALIFIED CARPENTER/ HOME MAINTENANCE Call James 0419 158 660 1161589-LB44-14 V Carpenters DANNY THE HANDYMAN LOCAL HANDYMAN ALL HANDYMAN SERVICES • CARPENTRY • PLASTERING • PAINTING Fully insured Free Quotes YEARS OF EXPERIENCE Call Danny 0470 472 850 NO JOB TO BIG OR SMALL 12564184-DL34-22 V Handy Persons Placing your classified advert is so easy... Online: networkclassifieds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au (include your name, address and phone number) We accept payment by: VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS (1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local office) Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money... Deadline for all classifications is 3:30pm Friday. 12435758-CG03-20 LEIGH HUNTER REMOVALS ANDSTORAGE • Local, Country & Interstate • Antiques & Pianos a speciality • Cartons & Porta-robes for hire or sale • Full packing available PHONE FOR OBLIGATION FREE QUOTATION 9707 5700, 9768 9153 C62885-BG24-8 V Deadline V Furniture Removals 12560928-HC35-22 Trades & Services networkclassifieds.com.au
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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission. 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Dissimilarly, the Hawks finish like a steamBentrain.Wise’s men have lost just four final terms this season; three of which have been by single figures and the fourth by just 15 points. Matt Davey and Mav Taylor lead the Hawks for goals, each with 27. Davey has a season best of just four but has kicked a goal in all but five appearances in 2022. Taylor finished the season with a bag of seven to equal Davey in the final round, but he kicked three in both clashes with Noble Park this season. While 27 for a leading goal kicker appears bleak, it’s the spread of goal kickers that has won the Hawks games. Jake Arundell (26 goals) and Lachie Wynd (23 goals) have too kicked over 20 majors.Forthe Bulls – you can’t buy experience – it’s Shayne Allan who is leading the way with 40 goals. If the numbers are to emulate anything, it’s that this Saturday’s qualifying final between Rowville and Noble Park will be nothing short of mouth-watering.
A spot in the dance
A: I am going to quite simply strip it back and talk to our boys about doing their best. If it’s not good enough, the sun will come up and we will live to fight another day.
A: Probably a little bit about Rowville’s patterns when they’ve got control of the ball. We will try and do a little bit of work on that during the week, we did a number of things really well that day too – it’s easy to forget that when you have a significant lead and end up getting rolled.You have to be glass half full with some of the things we did well, and of course when you play a second time you learn more about match-ups.
CENTRE – HOME AND AWAY ROWVILLE v NOBLE PARK THIS16-2RECORDv14-4SEASON Round 1: Rowville 16.13 (109) def Noble Park 12.11 Round(83)16: Rowville 16.4 (100) def Noble Park 14.14 (98) POINTS FOR (AVE) 1610 (89) v 1771 (98) POINTS AGAINST (AVE) 1125 (62.5) v 1119 (62.1) LEADING GOAL KICKER (TOTAL) Matt Davey (27), Mav Taylor (27) v Shayne Allan (40) QUARTERS WON 48 v 51 QUARTERS LOST 23 v 20 BEST QUARTER Fourth: +222 v Second: +238 WORST QUARTER First: +27 v Fourth: +44 SaturdayFIXTURE:3 September Rowville v Noble Park – Bayswater Oval 2:20PMRyan Hall and Luke Bull chase the leather. 292964 Picture: ROB CAREW STEVE HUGHES – NOBLE PARK
Q: If you were a neutral person and were in a debate arguing why Rowville would win this game, what would your main points be?
A: Yeah you take a lot away, obviously in the first half we weren’t going so well and they were playing really good footy. We dissect where went wrong and what areas of the game we felt we weren’t doing very well in, obviously contested footy around stoppages was one they were getting their hands on and breaking away from. We learned that there’s certain things we’re going to do have to do a bit differently with our positioning at stoppages and understand how they exit. We also learned it doesn’t matter what position we’re in, we still have a lot of belief.
A: Probably just the even spread and maybe the pace. If you’re a neutral supporter that don’t know much about the two sides, you would probably just look at the ladder and see we’ve finished a couple games clear of everyone else and have to go with the form I guess. It’s going to be two quality sides having a crack, it’ll be really exciting, if you’re a neutral supporter it won’t matter who you barrack for, you’ll see a great contest.
BEN WISE – ROWVILLE
Q: If you were a neutral person and were in a debate arguing why Rowville would win this game, what would your main points be?
Local rivals Rowville and Noble Park will face off for a spot in the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) Premier Division grand final this weekend, after superb home and away seasons saw the Hawks and Bulls finish one and two on the ladder. In this preview, DANDENONG JOURNAL sports reporter TYLER LEWIS asked the two coaches the same three questions, before performing a statistical deep dive… WHAT I SAY The spread of dexterity through these two sides is extraordinary. Across 18 matches this season, the Bulls have conceded 100 points or more just three times, but as a result… they’ve lost in each of those outings – two of which were against Rowville. On the flip side, the Bulls have scored 100 in five appearances and have won all five.Rowville, meanwhile, has ticked over the century on eight occasions and has conceded triple-figure total just once – in a round 7 shootout with Park Orchards which the Hawks won. For a side that had just two blemishes this season, the Hawks have trailed at the first change in eight instances. However, in six of those eight matches, Rowville has transformed swiftly to win the second quarter. While Noble Park’s second terms have been brilliant (lost just two), the Bulls’ premiership stanzas have been scintillating.In18 periods, the Bulls have grossed 77.50 (512) in third quarters and have lost just four this season. But of those four, they’ve gone on to lose three of those matches. The only downside to those mindboggling third terms is the cue has occasionally been put in the rack 30 minutes early.The Bulls have a seven-win, one-draw and 10-loss record in final quarters this year, which equals the grossed number of quarters lost across the entire season in the first three terms collectively.
STATS
Young men who missed two years of footy – which is important to them – have now got the opportunity to play off for a spot in a grand final, that’s so exciting, I just want them to enjoy the day and not let it pass us by.
18 STAR JOURNAL | Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 dandenong.starcommunity.com.au SPORT
Q: What is your message going to be in the lead up to a lot of the boys’ biggest games of their career to date?
Q: What did you learn as a coach about your group in the game against Noble Park?
Q: What did you learn as a coach about your group in the game against Rowville?
A: Just embrace it. You know finals footy, we’re in a pledged position now, a lot of sides haven’t played footy, the pressure and the build-up for three years, so if you look at most of the lists around, there’s going to be a lot of inexperience for everyone. I have a really good base of senior players who will be able to lead this younger group through. The main message will be: it’s going to be hot, it’ll be contested, you’re going to have to absorb the pressure and continue on to execute.
Q: What is your message going to be in the lead up to a lot of the boys’ biggest games of their career to date?
A: I get asked a lot about our midfield, that’s fair enough… we’ve got champions of our club playing in the midfield. But I think collectively our back six do a good job every year, we won the defensive scorecard, which has been an aim for us thisIfyear.we’re going to get Rowville, we’re hoping to nullify their scoring, if we win the game I think you’ll find our defenders stood up. I think it’s an area that doesn’t get talked about a lot, but it’s one of our strengths.
“But I would like to focus on the ones underneath and educate the kids, make him become a good local footballer, to potentially a good VFL footballer; they’re the kid I’d like to help, because that was me once upon a time.”
“We’re located out in Heyfield – we’ve got six dogs in work and five pups working their way Congratulationsup.” to Don and his team after a night to remember on the big stage.
I probably didn’t work that hard when I was younger, I thought my natural ability would get me through, it wasn’t until I did The Recruit that I realised I needed to work a lot harder than I was… I went to Box Hill my first year after TAC Cup and thought my ability would get me where I wanted to, but it doesn’t work that way.”
A potentially decorated September awaits Jackson Sketcher. 285139 Picture: ROB CAREW
By Luke Corda It was a very successful outing on Thursday night for Heyfield trainer Don Rhodes who recorded multiple city winners in the same meeting for the first time in his career. Having only one previous city winner in Lillico Nikki, Don scored his second when Wild Bob speared the lids in Race 7 for an all-the-way victory. Under difficult weather conditions, Wild Bob’s 5.11s first split was the second-fastest of the night and was just enough to hold off a fast-finishing Sir Chappy.Thefun didn’t stop there.
“They’ve both got a great bit of burst at the start, so it was great to watch.”
“We go into the season with the aim to make the finals, that is our aim whether Lauren is in our team or not, that will be our first goal. “Then we will develop something from there, so it doesn’t change, it just hopefully gives us more ammunition and ability to get that done.”
“Everyone wants to see Lauren Jackson play one last time, when she retired there was no farewell tour or anything, so it’s a great oppor tunity, hopefully we get a lot of people come out and see the greatest ever player for Australia.”
Lauren Jackson a huge signing for Flyers
“She’s got experience and a lot of leadership; it really is a huge coup for us.
“I guess she has been there and done that, we have got some young kids and some mid dle-aged kids, she will bring that experience to help develop those players.
“I feel like in those systems a lot of the attention gets put on those that are definitely going to get drafted, the higher end talent.
Winnindoo Wendy rewarded Don for waiting until the last race on a cold, wet Melbourne night with a tenacious win, making it a double for Don and his team. Despite being the slowest out of the boxes, Winnindoo Wendy fought hard from Box 6 and managed to find the front before bursting away. Wendy put the cherry on top of a brilliant night for Don.
By Tyler Lewis Seven-timeWNBA All-Star Lauren Jackson will represent the Southside Flyer’s in the upcom ing WNBL season. The widely regarded greatest Australian basketballer ever will don the aqua and navy in her well-documented return.
SPORT Sketcher skills on show
forcityDelightfuldoubleRhodes
Chambers is confident Jackson won’t be a stranger to her Flyers teammates, while also stating the expectation of the side has not changed despite the pinnacle of additions. “We anticipate she will be ready for every game,” she said.
Chambers further clarified the significance Jackson’s presence will make at Dandenong Stadium.“It’ssuper… she’s simply just Australia’s greatest basketballer,” she said. “Whether she plays two minutes, 20 minutes or whatever, it will make everyone else better because she’s just such a competitor.
The GOAT will be a Flyer! 296333 Picture: AAP IMAGES It’s super… she’s simply just Australia’s greatest basketballer.”- Cheryl Chambers on Lauren Jackson playing for the Southside Flyers.
By Tyler Lewis In career best form, Noble Park’s Jackson Sketcher is blossoming in the learnings he wishes he knew earlier. The powerful midfielder begun his journey at Springvale Districts and shifted to Noble Park as a teenager, before travelling through the then TAC Cup and VFL systems. Sketcher shared the Morrish Medal in 2010 for the best player of the TAC Cup home and away season with now Essendon captain Dy sonTheHeppell.former Sandringham Dragon polled in 12 of the possible 14 games to take a piece of the award with the eventual eighth overall pick of that seasons National Draft.
“To be honest I never thought I’d get drafted, I just thought people who play AFL were way too good, it’s probably why I had a good year, I didn’t have any expectations,” Sketcher said“Icandidly.nevermade Vic Metro under-15s or under-16s, my name was never really out there... it was never on my radar. “But when I won it, I thought ‘oh sh*t, hang on’, especially when you win it with (Dyson) Heppell.“Iwasn’t disappointed to not get drafted, I was more disappointed the year after when Heppell had won the NAB Rising Star and was taking the piss in his first year. “I was like ‘jeez he’s doing that, that should be me’, I probably played the victim a little bit, I just thought it was bullsh*t. “I didn’t react to it very well; I thought ‘poor me’ rather than‘I need to work my butt side off to getAfterthere’.”proclaiming he ‘played the victim’, Sketcher revealed how his mindset shifted after appearing in the 2016 season of The Re cruit.“It was unreal, it was probably the best thing for my footy,” he said. “It was good to just strengthen my strengths and to know what my weapons actually were. “It was probably one of the reasons I didn’t get picked up in that TAC Cup year, I was just a good footballer, I wasn’t elite in anything in particular.“Youwere either 200cm, moved like the wind or your kicking or your marking was your strength, where I was just OK at everything. “Being taught what your strengths are and how to utilise them as much as possible.”
Southside Flyers head coach – and Australian Opals assistant coach – Cheryl Chambers explained just how her club landed Jackson’s signature.“Itcame from a lot of directions,” she explained.“Iam the assistant coach of the Opals as well and Lauren had put up her hand and said she was going to try and get back in shape and back into things. “We just discussed the opportunity for us at the Flyers to get a role model of her calibre into our club, so it came about that way.”
“It’s the first time I’ve had city winners in the same night,” he said.
Sketcher has since ensconced himself as a goliath of the Eastern Football League on the cusp a decorated September. And now, at the age of 30, Sketcher envisions a time where he can influence those that are walking in shoes that once fit him. “I did a couple of years (of coaching) at the Sandy Dragons before Covid,” he said. “I would do every Monday night at Sandy and then Sunday games where I could do the running.“When Covid hit they could only have so many coaches, then I moved to Montrose and we started working from home so that stopped.“Iended up going to the Stingrays this year and did the same thing; I was doing that once a week… it’s definitely something I want to get into, especially around that age bracket.
Sketcher’s Noble Park finished the home and away season in second position on the Eastern footy league ladder and is just one win away from a grand final berth.
dandenong.starcommunity.com.au Tuesday, 30 August, 2022 | STAR JOURNAL 19
TheWNBL season will launch on November 3 with each club playing 21 matches before the best of three finals commence.
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